This week I had the privilege of being a guest on “The Other Side of Justice,” an internet radio program focusing on wrongful convictions. The show’s host Vincent Hill is a former Nashville police officer and licensed private investigator. Vincent’s experience in law enforcement gives him a unique perspective on the topic of wrongful convictions. Vincent’s show has worked to bring attention to a wide range of wrongful conviction cases. Vincent also works to highlight police and prosecutorial misconduct. According to the description on Vincent’s blogtalkradio page, he was the first to speak out publicly regarding the faulty investigation of Nashville Police concerning the murder of NFL great Steve McNair. Besides speaking out on his own show, Vincent has also participated as a guest on Dateline NBC, Open Line Live and ESPN. Vincent’s mission is to bring faulty investigation to light and in doing so, bring answers to victims or the family of victims.
Vincent’s most recent show titled “One Down, One To Go. Jeffrey Havard Part III” is Vincent’s third show focusing on the Jeffrey Havard case. In July of last year Vincent spoke to Jeffrey in a rare interview that can be heard here. This week Vincent spoke with Lori Howard and me about Jeffrey’s case. Lori is a knowledgeable advocate that has worked tirelessly on Jeffrey’s case, most recently leading a letter writing campaign on Jeffrey’s behalf. I am the co-founder of Injustice Anywhere, an all-volunteer organization working to correct wrongful convictions. We currently have 5 features cases that we are working on: Ryan Ferguson, Jeffrey Havard, Kirstin Lobato, Debra Milke, and Jamie Snow. You can listen to our interview with Vincent here.
Vincent Hill is doing important work on his radio show. Wrongful convictions are an epidemic that will only be eradicated when the masses stand up and demand action. The internet now provides many different outlets to spread the word and gather support for people like Jeffrey Havard. Vincent’s show is an excellent example of that.
Actor/Director Tony Goldwyn, from the hit TV show Scandal, encouraged Innocence Project supporters to tell the story of the exonerees and the innocence movement during his acceptance speech at the 2013 Celebration of Freedom and Justice. Here are a few key excerpts:
“Social media has now enabled all of our voices to be amplified exponentially.”
“You don’t have to make a movie. You don’t have to write a book.”
“We all have tremendous power”
Goldwyn’s comments are true for all organizations working to correct wrongful convictions. Websites like Facebook and Twitter have provided all of us a platform to voice our concerns.
If you clicked on this article there is a good chance that you have an interest in this topic. If this is the case, please make today the day you decide to get involved. Please visit Injustice Anywhere to review our featured cases, find an innocence project to support in your state, and join the discussion on our online forum.
Don’t forget to tune in to The Other Side of Justice, airing on blogtalkradio, Wednesdays at 6 pm EST.
Please visit www.Injustice-Anywhere.org today. You can also stay up to date with recent news and events by following us on Twitter and visiting us on Facebook.